Key West Beer: Local Favorites And Their Drinking Spots

Key West, Florida, is known for its cocktails, but it also has a lot to offer beer lovers. From craft beer to microbrews, there's plenty to discover. For instance, The Porch, a bar tucked away on a side street, offers a wide range of craft beers and specialty wines, with 18 beers on tap and over 50 bottled options. The Waterfront Brewery, located in the Historic Key West Bight, is another great spot to enjoy a locally brewed craft beer and take in stunning views. If you're looking for a classic bar experience, Sloppy Joe's back bar offers a great selection of microbrews, and you might even spot a local enjoying a summer ale.

Local craft beers

Key West is known for its cocktails, rum, and local craft beers. For craft beer lovers, there are several breweries and bars in the city that offer a wide range of options.

One popular spot is the Waterfront Brewery, a craft brewery located at the Historic Key West Bight. With a great selection of beers, a full food menu, and stunning views, it has become a hotspot for locals and tourists. Another great option for craft beer enthusiasts is The Porch on Caroline Street. This bar offers a wide variety of craft beers, with 18 beers on tap, over 50 bottled beers, and a selection of specialty wines. The courtyard, with its great lighting, music, and fresh sea air, is the perfect place to enjoy your drink.

For those looking to try local craft beers, Rams Head Southernmost is a great choice. In addition to craft beers, they also offer a range of cocktails and delicious meals. The Schooner Wharf Bar is another local favourite, known for its good food, beer, and entertainment. If you're looking for a classic bar experience, Captain Tony's Saloon, the original location of Sloppy Joe's, is a must-visit. It was a frequent haunt of Ernest Hemingway and is now a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Key West also has several other bars and breweries that offer craft beers, each with its own unique atmosphere and selection of drinks. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or just looking to try something new, Key West's local craft beer scene is definitely worth exploring.

Bars with live music

Key West is known for its nightlife, and there are plenty of bars with live music to choose from. Here are some spots to check out:

The Green Parrot

The Green Parrot is a Key West icon. Once a grocery store, it started serving drinks during the war when sailors came to town. Now, it's a lively bar with a mixed bag of entertainment, strong drinks, and a juke box during the day. At night, live bands and a once-a-month ukulele club bring a more upbeat island vibe.

Captain Tony's Saloon

This bar is the original location of Sloppy Joe's and is known for its pirate lore—ask your bartender about the "hanging tree" that grows through the middle of the bar. It's also where Jimmy Buffet got his start, and where Ernest Hemingway was often seen until the late 1930s. Live music, cold drinks, and a unique atmosphere make this a popular spot.

The Bull & Whistle Bar

The oldest open-air bar in Key West, The Bull & Whistle has two distinct vibes. The Bull features live music and entertainment, while the Whistle caters to sports lovers. Head up to the third floor for Key West's only clothing-optional bar, the Garden of Eden.

Schooner Wharf Bar

Known as the "Last Little Piece of Old Key West," the Schooner Wharf Bar is located in the heart of the Historic Seaport. With great music and reasonable beer prices, it's a local favourite.

Little Room Jazz Club

On the quieter side of Duval Street, the Little Room Jazz Club features live music from some of the world's best blues and jazz musicians. They serve a large selection of craft beer and wine.

Sloppy Joe's

A favourite watering hole of Ernest Hemingway, Sloppy Joe's attracts visitors from all over the world. Live music starts at noon and goes until 2 a.m. Joe's Tap Room also has a large variety of crafted and specialty beers.

Hog's Breath Saloon

With cold drinks, delicious food, and live music, Hog's Breath Saloon has been a Key West staple for 25 years. Enjoy their outdoor tropical setting or the rustic, cool interior.

Smokin' Tuna Saloon

Just a short walk from Duval, the Smokin' Tuna Saloon features great live music, a solid raw bar, and well-priced cocktails.

General Horseplay

General Horseplay offers live entertainment and craft cocktails in an old brick house.

El Meson de Pepe Restaurant & Bar

El Meson de Pepe features live music and an outdoor bar that's perfect for parking yourself after the nightly sunset celebration.

Conch Republic Seafood Company

Enjoy great live music, amazing service, and fantastic views at the Conch Republic Seafood Company.

Whether you're looking for a classic dive bar or a lively tourist spot, Key West has a bar with live music to suit your taste.

Beer gardens

Key West is known for its cocktails, but there are plenty of beer gardens and bars serving up ice-cold brews and a lively atmosphere. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy a beer in Key West:

The Porch

Housed in the middle of Key West's tourist district, The Porch offers a refreshing escape from the crowded spots on Duval Street. With a plethora of craft beers and specialty wines, including champagne, The Porch has 18 beers on tap, over 50 bottled varieties, and 12 wines by the glass. The courtyard is the place to be, with its great lighting, music, and fresh sea breeze, embodying a young and free vibe.

Waterfront Brewery

A craft brewery located at the Historic Key West Bight, Waterfront Brewery combines a wide selection of beers with a full food menu and the best views in Key West. While they don't take reservations, it's a great spot to celebrate with a group, offering large seating options for parties.

Schooner Wharf Bar

One of the most iconic bars in Key West, Schooner Wharf Bar, is known for its good food, beer, and company. It usually features great music and has reasonable beer prices, making it a local favourite spot.

Captain Tony's Saloon

This pub is the original location of Sloppy Joe's and was once a frequent spot of Ernest Hemingway. It offers cold beer, good drinks, and entertainment. You can try their Havana Red or take advantage of their $2 microbrew happy hour from 4-7 pm.

Rams Head Southernmost

For a mix of craft beers and cocktails, Rams Head Southernmost is the place to go. They also offer a variety of meals to pair with your drinks.

The Bull and Whistle Bar

As the oldest open-air bar in Key West, The Bull and Whistle Bar provides a unique atmosphere with its art depicting the daily events of Duval Street. The Bull, on the downstairs level, features lively entertainment from local artists, while the Whistle Bar upstairs offers a more relaxed al fresco experience with great views of the city.

Beer and film

Beyond this explicit depiction of the advertising world, beer has played a significant role in shaping the atmosphere and character of bars and social spaces in films. For instance, in Key West, Florida, several bars with rich histories have become iconic locations for tourists and film enthusiasts alike. Captain Tony's Saloon, the original location of Sloppy Joe's, was a frequent drinking spot for Ernest Hemingway until the late 1930s. The Green Parrot, another well-known bar, was originally a grocery store but transformed into a lively drinking establishment during wartime. These bars, with their unique histories and atmospheres, have undoubtedly inspired and shaped cinematic narratives.

The relationship between beer and film extends beyond the confines of the silver screen, as beer has become a social lubricant that enhances the film-viewing experience. This is exemplified by the indie movie theatre in Key West, where patrons can enjoy a beer or a glass of wine alongside independent films. This combination of beer and film elevates the experience, encouraging social interaction and a sense of community.

Furthermore, beer has been woven into the very fabric of film culture, with beer-themed documentaries emerging to celebrate the beverage's universal appeal. "BEER! A Love Story" is a full-length feature documentary that brings together the stories of over 30 protagonists from multiple countries, all connected by their shared love of beer. This film showcases how beer transcends cultural boundaries and brings people together, much like the power of cinema itself.

In conclusion, the relationship between beer and film is multifaceted and deeply rooted in popular culture. From its satirical portrayal in "Beer" to its role in shaping cinematic atmospheres and social experiences, beer has left an indelible mark on the film industry. Whether as a plot device, a social lubricant, or the subject of documentary celebration, beer continues to be a recurring theme in cinema, reflecting its enduring significance in our society.

Beer and sports

After the repeal of Prohibition in 1930, beer companies began heavily advertising their products, using sports icons to promote their brews. Televisions were initially located in local taverns, providing a natural setting for beer advertisements. Over time, sports became big business for beer companies, who sponsored major sports teams and their leagues.

According to a Harris Poll, when asked what type of alcoholic beverage comes to mind when thinking of different sports, beer was the top choice for football (75%), baseball (70%), car racing (55%), and hockey (51%). Beer also led the way, to a lesser extent, for basketball (48%), boxing (39%), and soccer (34%).

The association between beer and sports is not just about advertising and sponsorship. For fans, athletes, and financial backers, alcohol can foster camaraderie and bring people together. Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that 48% of sports fans drink at sporting events, with one in four tailgaters consuming more than five alcoholic drinks.

While the love of beer and sports is strong, it's important to remember that alcohol is not a health drink. Lower-alcohol and low-calorie beers might be slightly better options, but they are not "good" for you. Enjoying a beer after a game or with your buddies while watching a match is all part of the fun, but it's essential to understand the impact of alcohol consumption and drink responsibly.

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